Download sensor-e ® com User Manual

SOFTWARE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Instrument Control Software
Version 3.5
35 INVERNESS DRIVE EAST
ENGLEWOOD, CO 80112
USA
TOLL-FREE SUPPORT:
FAX:
TEL:
E-MAIL:
WEBSITE:
Copyright 2009
Teledyne Monitor Labs, Inc.
800-846-6062
303-799-4853
303-792-3300
[email protected]
http://www.teledyne-ml.com
039450000
REV. B
July 2009
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
End User License Agreement
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA)
End-User License Agreement For sensor-e.com Graphical Interface Software
This End-User License Agreement ("EULA") is a legal agreement between you ("the user") and
Teledyne Monitor Labs, Inc. ("TML"), Englwood, Colorado, USA. The Software product (“sensor-e.com”)
includes computer software, the Medias belonging to it, printed materials and electronic documentation.
By installing, copying or any other usage of sensor-e.com you agree to the terms of this agreement. If
you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not install, copy, or use sensor-e.com.
Software Product License
sensor-e.com is protected by US copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other
intellectual property laws and treaties. sensor-e.com is licensed, not sold.
Grant Of License
This EULA grants you the following non-exclusive rights:
You may install and use the enclosed sensor-e.com on your computers to control TML instruments,
which were certified to work with sensor-e.com or to test and evaluate the software itself.
You may not reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble sensor-e.com, except and only to the extent
that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
You may not sell, rent or lease sensor-e.com.
You may distribute sensor-e.com free of charge to anyone, provided you distribute all applicable files
and portions thereof in one package (manuals, release notes, supporting files).
Limitation of Liability
No liability for consequential damages. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event
shall TML, USA or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation,
damages for loss of business profit, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other
pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this software product, even if TML, USA has
been advised of the possibility of such damages.
sensor-e.com software and documentation - Copyright © 2006 by Teledyne Monitor Labs, Inc.,
Englewood, Colorado, USA.
039450000 Rev B
i
End User License Agreement
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
USER NOTES
ii
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................. III LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................................... IV LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................... V 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. FEATURES........................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. SUPPORTED INSTRUMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4. TYPOGRAPHIC CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL ............................................................................................ 2 1.5. INSTALLING SENSOR-E.COM ................................................................................................................................. 2 2. CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1. MAIN APPLICATION WINDOW ................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2. QUICK START (DIRECT CABLE CONNECTION) ........................................................................................................ 6 2.3. PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT SETTINGS ........................................................................................................................ 7 2.4. GLOBAL OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 8 2.5. THE SENSOR-E.COM NETWORK: INSTRUMENTS AND SITES. CABLE, MODEM AND ETHERNET CONNECTIONS ............. 9 2.5.1. Configuring sensor-e.com Instruments .................................................................................................. 10 2.5.2. Configuring Sites .................................................................................................................................... 16 2.5.3. Direct Cable Connections ....................................................................................................................... 17 2.5.4. Windows (TML) Modem Connections .................................................................................................... 18 2.5.5. Non-Windows Modem Connections ....................................................................................................... 18 2.5.6. Modems .................................................................................................................................................. 19 2.5.7. Ethernet Connections ............................................................................................................................. 21 2.6. CONFIGURATION STORAGE ................................................................................................................................ 21 2.6.1. Global Options ........................................................................................................................................ 21 2.6.2. sensor-e.com Network Configuration: .................................................................................................... 21 2.6.3. sensor-e.com Network Configuration File Types ................................................................................... 22 2.6.4. Saving Network Configuration Files ....................................................................................................... 22 2.6.5. Opening Network Configuration Files with Windows Shortcuts ............................................................. 22 3. BASIC OPERATION ..............................................................................................................................23 3.1. CONNECTING TO AN INSTRUMENT ....................................................................................................................... 23 3.2. FRONT PANEL BUTTONS .................................................................................................................................... 23 3.3. DISCONNECTING FROM AN INSTRUMENT ............................................................................................................. 23 3.4. EXITING SENSOR-E.COM .................................................................................................................................... 23 4. DAS CONFIGURATION AND DATA ACCESS ..................................................................................... 25 4.1. SUPPORTED INSTRUMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 25 4.2. DAS CONFIGURATION AND DOWNLOADED DATA DIALOG ..................................................................................... 25 4.3. DOWNLOADING THE DAS CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................................... 27 4.4. SAVING THE DAS CONFIGURATION..................................................................................................................... 28 4.5. MODIFYING THE DAS CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................... 28 4.5.1. Adding or Modifying a Channel .............................................................................................................. 28 4.5.2. DAS Channel Names ............................................................................................................................. 30 4.5.3. Duplicating a Channel ............................................................................................................................ 31 4.5.4. Deleting a Channel ................................................................................................................................. 31 4.5.5. Adding or Modifying a Parameter ........................................................................................................... 31 4.5.6. Duplicating a Parameter ......................................................................................................................... 32 4.5.7. Deleting a Parameter.............................................................................................................................. 32 4.6. SENDING THE DAS CONFIGURATION TO THE INSTRUMENT ................................................................................... 32 4.7. DOWNLOADING DAS DATA ................................................................................................................................ 33 4.7.1. DAS Record Sets ................................................................................................................................... 35 4.8. GRAPHING DAS DATA ....................................................................................................................................... 35 4.9. VIEWING DAS DATA .......................................................................................................................................... 36 4.9.1. Changing the Precision of DAS Data When Viewing or Saving ............................................................. 37 4.10. SAVING DAS DATA ............................................................................................................................................ 37 4.10.1. DAS Data File Names ............................................................................................................................ 37 4.10.2. Saving DAS Data to an Existing File ...................................................................................................... 37 4.11. DISCARDING DAS DATA .................................................................................................................................... 37 4.12. DOWNLOADING DAS DATA AUTOMATICALLY ....................................................................................................... 38 4.12.1. Configuring Channels for Automatic Download ..................................................................................... 38 039450000 Rev B
iii
Table of Contents
4.12.2. 4.12.3. 4.12.4. 5. sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Selecting Channels for Automatic Download ......................................................................................... 38 Activating Automatic Download Mode .................................................................................................... 38 File Names for Automatic Download ...................................................................................................... 38 TML-700 CALIBRATOR SEQUENCES ................................................................................................. 39 5.1. SEQUENCE CONFIGURATION DIALOG .................................................................................................................. 39 5.2. DOWNLOADING A SEQUENCE CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................... 40 5.3. SAVING A SEQUENCE CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................... 40 5.4. MODIFYING A SEQUENCE CONFIGURATION.......................................................................................................... 41 5.4.1. Adding or Modifying a Sequence ........................................................................................................... 41 5.4.2. Sequence Names ................................................................................................................................... 43 5.4.3. Duplicating a Sequence ......................................................................................................................... 43 5.4.4. Moving a Sequence ................................................................................................................................ 43 5.4.5. Deleting a Sequence .............................................................................................................................. 43 5.4.6. Adding Steps to a Sequence .................................................................................................................. 44 5.4.7. Generate Step ........................................................................................................................................ 45 5.4.8. GPT and GPT Preset Steps ................................................................................................................... 46 5.4.9. Manual Steps.......................................................................................................................................... 47 5.4.10. Duration Steps ........................................................................................................................................ 47 5.4.11. Execute Sequence Steps ....................................................................................................................... 48 5.4.12. Select Output Steps................................................................................................................................ 48 5.4.13. Select Output Steps................................................................................................................................ 48 5.4.14. Duplicating a Step .................................................................................................................................. 49 5.4.15. Moving a Step......................................................................................................................................... 49 5.4.16. Deleting a Step ....................................................................................................................................... 49 5.5. SENDING THE SEQUENCE CONFIGURATION TO THE INSTRUMENT.......................................................................... 49 6. ADVANCED FEATURES ....................................................................................................................... 51 INSTRUMENT INFORMATION DIALOG .................................................................................................................... 51 COMMUNICATION LOGGING ................................................................................................................................ 53 APPENDIX A. FIRMWARE COMPATIBILITY ............................................................................. A-1 A.1. REMOTE (RS-232) CONFIGURATION OF DAS ................................................................................................... A-1 A.2. NUMBER OF SAMPLES IN CONCENTRATION AVERAGE ........................................................................................ A-1 6.1. 6.2. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: Figure 2-1: Figure 2-2: Figure 2-3: Figure 2-4: Figure 2-5: Figure 2-6: Figure 2-7: Figure 2-8: Figure 2-9: Figure 2-10: Figure 2-11: Figure 2-12: Figure 2-13: Figure 2-14: Figure 2-15: Figure 2-16: Figure 2-17: Figure 4-1: Figure 4-2: Figure 4-3: Figure 4-4: Figure 4-5: Figure 4-6: iv
Front Panel Window ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Main Application Window .............................................................................................................................. 5 Connection Dialog......................................................................................................................................... 7 Global Program Options Dialogs .................................................................................................................. 8 Instruments, Sites, and Connectors............................................................................................................ 10 Instrument Dialog Box ................................................................................................................................ 10 Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Basic Tab ............................................................................................. 11 Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Automatic Disconnect Tab ................................................................... 12 Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Code Activated Switch Tab ................................................................. 14 Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Handshaking Tab................................................................................. 15 Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Security Tab .................................................................................... 15 Site List Dialog and Site Properties Dialog ............................................................................................ 16 Direct Cable Connection Properties and Port Settings Dialogs ............................................................. 17 Windows Modem Connection Properties Dialog .................................................................................... 18 Non-Windows Modem Connection Properties Dialog ............................................................................ 18 Modem List Dialog .................................................................................................................................. 19 Modem Properties Dialog ....................................................................................................................... 20 TCP/IP Connection Properties Dialog Box ............................................................................................. 21 DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog ...................................................................................... 26 DAS Channel Context Menu – Adding or Modifying a Channel ................................................................. 28 DAS Channel Properties Dialog – Basic and Advanced Tabs ................................................................... 29 DAS Parameter Context Menu – Adding or Modifying a Parameter .......................................................... 31 DAS Parameter Properties Dialog .............................................................................................................. 32 Successful DAS Send Dialog ..................................................................................................................... 33 039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 4-7: Figure 4-8: Figure 4-9: Figure 4-10: Figure 4-11: Figure 4-12: Figure 5-1: Figure 5-2: Figure 5-3: Figure 5-4: Figure 5-5: Figure 5-6: Figure 5-7: Figure 5-8: Figure 5-9: Figure 5-10: Figure 5-11: Figure 5-12: Figure 5-13: Figure 5-14: Figure 5-15: Figure 5-16: Figure 5-17: Figure 5-18: Figure 5-19: Figure 6-1: Figure 6-2: Table of Contents
Unsuccessful DAS Send Dialog ................................................................................................................. 33 Select Records Dialog ................................................................................................................................ 33 Downloaded DAS Data ............................................................................................................................... 35 Graphing Multiple DAS Parameters with Different Scales ..................................................................... 36 Viewing DAS Data .................................................................................................................................. 36 Saved DAS Data .................................................................................................................................... 37 Sequence Configuration Dialog .................................................................................................................. 39 Sequence Context Menu – Adding or Modifying a Sequence .................................................................... 42 Sequence Properties Dialog ....................................................................................................................... 42 Invalid Sequence Name Dialog .................................................................................................................. 43 Delete Sequence Confirmation Dialog........................................................................................................ 43 Select Step Type Dialog ............................................................................................................................. 44 Sequence Step Context Menu .................................................................................................................... 45 Generate Step Properties Dialog ................................................................................................................ 45 GPT Step Properties Dialog ....................................................................................................................... 46 GPT Preset Step Properties Dialog........................................................................................................ 46 Manual Step Properties Dialog ............................................................................................................... 47 Duration Step Properties Dialog ............................................................................................................. 47 Execute Sequence Step Properties Dialog ............................................................................................ 48 Select Output Step Properties Dialog..................................................................................................... 48 Set CC Output Step Properties Dialog ................................................................................................... 49 Delete Step Confirmation Dialog ............................................................................................................ 49 Sequence Send Configuration Confirmation Dialog............................................................................... 50 Successful Sequence Send Dialog ........................................................................................................ 50 Unsuccessful Sequence Send Dialog .................................................................................................... 50 Instrument Information Dialog..................................................................................................................... 51 Sample Log File .......................................................................................................................................... 53 LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Table 2-2: Table 2-3: Table 2-4: Table 2-5: Table 2-6: Table 2-7: Table 2-8: Table 2-9: Table 2-10: Table 2-11: Table 4-1: Table 4-2: Table 4-3: Table 4-4: Table 4-5: Table 5-1: Table 5-2: Table 5-3: Table 5-4: Table 5-5: Table 5-6: Table 5-7: Table 5-8: Table 5-9: Table 5-10: Table 6-1: Table 6-2: Main Application Window Toolbar Buttons ................................................................................................... 5 Global Options .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Instrument Properties, Basic Tab ............................................................................................................... 12 Instrument Properties, Automatic Disconnect Tab ..................................................................................... 13 Instrument Properties, Code Activated Switch Tab .................................................................................... 14 Instrument Properties, Handshaking Tab ................................................................................................... 15 Instrument Properties, Security Tab ........................................................................................................... 16 Site Properties ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Windows Modem Connection Properties ................................................................................................... 18 Non-Windows Modem Connection Properties ....................................................................................... 19 Modem Properties .................................................................................................................................. 20 Instruments Containing DAS ...................................................................................................................... 25 DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog Buttons ......................................................................... 26 DAS Channel Properties ............................................................................................................................. 29 DAS Parameter Properties ......................................................................................................................... 32 Select Records Dialog ................................................................................................................................ 34 Sequence Configuration Dialog Buttons ..................................................................................................... 40 Sequence Properties .................................................................................................................................. 42 Sequence Step Types ................................................................................................................................ 44 Generate Step Properties ........................................................................................................................... 45 GPT and GPT Preset Step Properties ........................................................................................................ 47 Manual Step Properties .............................................................................................................................. 47 Duration Step Properties ............................................................................................................................ 48 Execute Sequence Step Properties ............................................................................................................ 48 Select Output Step Properties .................................................................................................................... 48 Set CC Output Step Properties .............................................................................................................. 49 Instrument Information Dialog..................................................................................................................... 51 Log Entry Classification Codes ................................................................................................................... 53 039450000 Rev B
v
Table of Contents
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
USER NOTES
vi
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
1.
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
This manual describes sensor-e.com, a graphical interface that permits users to connect to the standard
suite of ambient and stack-gas TML instruments from remote locations and to operate those instruments
as easily as if the user were sitting in front of the instrument.
The user interface is simple and intuitive. Anyone who is familiar with TML’s instruments can use
sensor-e.com. The figure below shows the primary sensor-e.com interface to a remote instrument.
Figure 1-1: Front Panel Window
sensor-e.com features a graphical display that emulates the real instrument's look with a push button,
menu-driven interface. In addition to the basic front-panel functionality, sensor-e.com also includes
advanced data acquisition system and sequence configuration functions (AMX instruments only).
1.1.
Features
sensor-e.com provides a simple means to connect to multiple local or remote TML instruments, view their
status, and change their settings.
Use sensor-e.com to connect to multiple instruments at the same or different sites simultaneously,
optionally using TML’s multidrop protocol or a code-operated RS-232 switch.
User interface is identical to that built into TML’s instruments. Anyone who is familiar with the user interface
built into TML’s instruments can use sensor-e.com immediately.
Full access to all the capabilities built into the instrument.
Works with most of TML’s standard, microprocessor-based instruments.
Download the DAS data that are stored in the instrument, view it on screen, graphically plot it, and save it to
a file (AMX instruments only).
Access the DAS configuration from an instrument, modify it, save it on the local computer, and then send
the modified configuration to the instrument (newer AMX instruments only).
Download the sequence configuration from an TML-700 calibrator, modify it, save it on the local computer,
and then send the modified configuration to the instrument (TML-700 calibrators with firmware revision D.3
or higher).
sensor-e.com can edit the DAS or sequence configuration off-line, saving money in long distance phone
charges.
sensor-e.com uses Windows modem support for maximum compatibility with a customer’s equipment.
sensor-e.com also supports older modems directly even if Windows does not support them.
1.2.
Supported Instruments
Since sensor-e.com uses standard commands that are built into all TML instruments, it will work with all
TML microprocessor-based instruments. However, sensor-e.com works much better with AMX
instruments because of the higher baud rates supported by AMX instruments.
039450000 Rev B
1
Introduction
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
When connecting to older instruments operating at 2400 baud, it takes nearly one second for sensore.com to transmit a button press and receive the display contents. When connecting to AMX instruments
operating at 19,200 baud, the same action will appear instantaneously.
Some of the DAS functionality is supported only by newer revisions of firmware. Please refer to the
tables in Appendix A to find out if your instrument’s firmware revision is supported. Consult our sales
department or the sensor-e.com website to find out if and how it can be upgraded to support that
functionality:
http://www.sensor-e.com
The basic front-panel functionality is supported by all our analyzers.
1.3.
System Requirements
sensor-e.com runs only on 32-bit Windows operating systems (Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP). Do not
attempt to run the program on Windows 3.1.
sensor-e.com requires 4–20 MB of RAM during normal operation, 5 MB of disk space for installation,
and more disk space for storing DAS data and scripts.
Some versions of Windows 95 and NT4 may not have the correct common user interface dynamic link
libraries that sensor-e.com requires in order to display checkboxes in the DAS configuration tree. These
checkboxes make it convenient to select DAS channels and parameters to download DAS data from.
See Section 4.6 for a work-around solution.
The problem can be corrected by installing Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. Please point your
internet browser to this location to see the latest updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
1.4.
Typographic Conventions Used in this Manual
All of the examples used in this manual refer to specific instruments and sites. Keep in mind that names
of instruments and sites will be different from those of the user.
In this manual, names of push buttons on the actual instrument front panel are indicated using bold
characters, for example, SETUP. Push button sequences are denoted by a series of button names,
separated by dashes, such as SETUP-MORE-COMM-BAUD.
sensor-e.com menus are depicted in bold, as in File-New. Buttons in dialog boxes and on the toolbar
are shown as bitmap images, like this:
.
Names of items such as files and setup variables are indicated using italicized characters, as in
RS232_MODE.
1.5.
Installing sensor-e.com
If the installation file was downloaded, simply locate the file named sensor-e.com.Installer.X.X.exe on
the hard drive and double-click on it, then follow the instructions. (X.X being the revision number).
If sensor-e.com was received on CD, locate your CD drive in Explorer, locate the file named sensore.com.Installer.X.X.exe and double-click on it, then follow the instructions. (X.X being the revision
number).
The sensor-e.com installer is a stand-alone, executable installation routine, which copies the following
files to the hard drive into a user-selected directory/folder:
sensor-e.com.exe - the program
README.txt - a readme file with late-breaking news and latest changes to the program. You will have a
chance to read this file during installation.
sensor-e.com.license.agreement.txt - the software license agreement to which you have to agree
upon installation of sensor-e.com. You will have a chance to read this file during installation.
2
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Introduction
sensor-e.com User Manual.pdf - User manual in Acrobat PDF format for printing purposes (also
included in Windows Help format in the program).
sensor-e.com.chm - Online help file in Windows HTML-Help format.
For advanced users: Upon installation, sensor-e.com creates the following registry entries. These
entries - including all previously stored program and window settings - are completely removed when
uninstalling sensor-e.com. Note that network configuration files (site, instrument and DAS settings) are
not affected by uninstalling sensor-e.com.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Monitor Labs Instrumentation\sensor-e.com
DAS Settings
Recent File List
Settings
NOTE
If there already is a previous version of sensor-e.com installed, the installation utility will prompt to
replace the previous version. However, the previous version can be "upgraded" to the latest
version by selecting "NO" when prompted to uninstall. This will leave the existing program settings
(window locations, last used configuration files etc.) intact and only over-write any existing files
listed above. This is recommended for upgrades of version 3.0 and above.
CAUTION
Site and instrument definitions created with older versions of sensor-e.com are stored in the
network configuration files (.cfg). These files may not be compatible with the latest version of
sensor-e.com. When upgrading from version 1.17 to sensor-e.com 3+, these sites and
instruments may need to be re-defined. In this case, we recommend to select "YES" from the
uninstall prompt and then choose a different directory to install sensor-e.com 3.5. This will still
leave the old 1.17 installation intact but will reset the program configuration settings. Note that old
and new versions will share the same registry entries and, for example, a change in windows
locations in version 3.5 will also be used for version 1.17. This makes it easy to maintain identical
program settings for both versions.
For safety, we recommend to make a backup of all configuration and script files before installing or
upgrading sensor-e.com. We cannot take any responsibility for lost files, time or revenue due to lost or
altered configuration settings and files.
The sensor-e.com installer is virus-checked and safe to run. Never accept installation files from third
parties (including your TML distributor or representative), always download your own copy and do not
trust that executables sent to you from anybody outside of TML are safe to run. If in doubt, run a virus
checker before and after running the installer file.
Uninstalling sensor-e.com versions 3 and higher with the provided uninstallation utility (to be found in
the sensor-e.com program group) or when running the Installer again and selecting YES to uninstall
previous versions, will delete all of the registry entries (program and DAS settings) and the entire folder
with sensor-e.com files. The installer will not delete the folder if files were added by the user (e.g.,
network configuration files, DAS scripts etc.). In this case, only the originally installed files will be
removed. Likewise, if the program group folder is open in Explorer during the uninstallation, it will not be
removed, only its shortcuts. Registry entries created by sensor-e.com versions lower than 3 may not be
removed properly upon installing version 3 and higher but this should not cause any problems.
039450000 Rev B
3
Introduction
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
USER NOTES
4
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
2.
Configuration
CONFIGURATION
This section explains how to configure sensor-e.com to connect to an instrument.
2.1.
Main Application Window
The following figure shows the top-level window of sensor-e.com. This window will always be open in
addition to one window for each instrument front panel.
Figure 2-1: Main Application Window
All configuration tasks can be carried out with the buttons on the toolbar, which are summarized in the
table below.
Table 2-1:
Button
Main Application Window Toolbar Buttons
Menu Equivalent
Description
File-Connect
Connects to an instrument
File-New
Creates a new, empty network configuration
File-Open
Opens an existing network configuration
File-Save
Saves current network configuration
Settings-Instruments
Edits list of instruments
Settings-Sites
Edits list of sites
Settings-Modems
Edits list of non-Windows modems
Settings-Options
Changes program options
Help-About sensor-e.com
Displays the sensor-e.com help file
039450000 Rev B
5
Configuration
2.2.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Quick Start (Direct Cable Connection)
This section explains how to get the software running as quickly as possible with a local instrument that
is connected to a host computer via a direct serial cable. This is useful for getting acquainted with the
program and to test and setup instruments before deployment.
Configure sensor-e.com
When sensor-e.com is run for the first time at least one site and one instrument need to be created.
Step
1.
Action
Comment
Select Settings-Sites from the menu or click on
Create a site.
the
2.
toolbar button
to create a new site
Click on
3.
Specify the site’s properties.
4.
Click
5.
to finish
Select Settings-Instruments from the menu or
click on the
6.
Create an instrument.
toolbar button
Click on
to create a new instrument
and specify the instrument’s properties
7.
Click
8.
to finish
Attach a serial cable
Refer to the following paragraph.
Attach a serial cable from the computer’s COM (Serial) port that was specified in the site configuration to
the RS-232 port of the instrument. The cable must be a “straight-through” cable with a DB-9, female
plug on the instrument’s site and either a DB-9 or DB-25, female plug at the computer’s side. Please
refer to the computer’s user manual on how to use the Serial port. Make sure that the plugs are securely
fastened to ensure proper connection.
9.
Configure the COM port
Refer to the following paragraphs.
From the Windows START menu, select Settings-Control Panels-Ports and make sure that the
computer’s COM/Serial port is configured to the same baud rate as specified in the Instrument settings
above. The COM settings must be as follows:
BAUD rate: up to 19200 kbaud, we recommend 9600. Longer cables may require lower baud rates.
E-series instruments support up to 115 kbaud.
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow control: None
Optionally, newer instruments support Xon/Xoff flow control, which must be enabled in both the
instrument and sensor-e.com and must also be available for all instruments within one multi-drop chain.
Once all settings are configured, perform the remaining steps to connect to the instrument.
10.
11.
6
on the toolbar or select File-Connect
Click
from the menu
Click on the name of the desired instrument
sensor-e.com displays the Instrument
connection dialog box (refer to Figure
2-2).
In this example, you would click on Local
Instrument (refer to Figure 2-2).
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
12.
Click
Configuration
to finish.
Figure 2-2: Connection Dialog
2.3.
Physical Instrument Settings
This section briefly explains how to configure an TML analyzer to work with sensor-e.com. Refer to the
instrument’s manual for detailed information.
Baud Rate
In most instruments pressing SETUP-MORE-COMM-BAUD sets the baud rate. The higher the baud
rate, the faster the communication with the instrument. However, long serial cables or those with low
quality, poor cable connection or noisy phone lines (when using a modem) may require lower baud
rates. You may have to experiment to find the optimal baud rate for connection. Keep in mind that the
baud rate specified in sensor-e.com needs to match the baud rate of the instrument! Baud rates vary
between 2400 and 19200 baud (115000 in E-series models).
ID Number
The instrument ID allows you to use more than one instrument on a multi-drop setup as well as multiple
instruments of the same model. In most instruments, pressing SETUP-MORE-COMM-ID sets the
instrument’s ID.
Xon/Xoff Handshaking
Flow control improves communication between host computer and instrument and may prevent many
transfer failures (particularly when uploading the DAS configuration). To enable Xon/Xoff flow control in
sensor-e.com, it must also be enabled in the instrument by setting the instrument’s RS232_MODE
variable properly.
Older TML instruments do not have Xon/Xoff, hence, the default value for flow control in sensor-e.com is
set to NONE.
Modem
Modem support can be enabled in instruments by setting the RS232_MODE and the MODEM_INIT
setup variables properly. Please consult the instrument documentation and/or the factory for details on
doing this.
If modem support is enabled it is critical that “computer” mode is also enabled. Otherwise, the
instrument will try to send the modem initialization string to the modem when the instrument powers up.
Most likely, the modem is also in echo mode at that time and the modem will echo an AT command to
the instrument returning an AT echo from the instrument in an indefinite loop.
039450000 Rev B
7
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
In addition, most of TML’s instruments have a password protection capability in which the instrument will
only accept commands after a password has been submitted. This security feature must be used
carefully with modems. The problem is that while the modem is answering an incoming call, it sends
status messages such as “RING” and “CONNECT” to the instrument, to which the instrument responds
“MUST LOG ON” if the security mode is enabled. These messages sent by the instrument may cause
some modems to hang up during the call. So the modem must be configured, using the MODEM_INIT
setup variable, to not issue responses to the instrument if the security feature is used. This is
accomplished in some modems with the AT command “Q1”.
2.4.
Global Options
Global application settings can be accessed by selecting Settings-Options or the
toolbar button.
This dialog is tabbed because it contains several categories of settings (refer to the following figure).
Figure 2-3: Global Program Options Dialogs
8
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Configuration
Global sensor-e.com program options are stored in the computer’s registry. See Section 1.5 for installed
registry keys. The global options are summarized in the table below.
Table 2-2:
Global Options
Tab
Property
Description
General
Load previous
network
configuration on
startup
If checked, sensor-e.com will attempt to open the network
configuration file it was using previously. If sensor-e.com cannot
open the file —because the file has been moved or renamed — it
will issue an error message and the file will have to be opened
manually using the File-Open menu or the
General
(continued)
toolbar button.
Save network
configuration
automatically on
exit
If checked, sensor-e.com will automatically save the network
configuration when it exits. If it’s not checked and the
configuration is modified, sensor-e.com will prompt to save the
configuration when it exits. This is useful to temporarily modify
some settings but not save them.
Confirm deleting
items when
editing
configuration
If checked, sensor-e.com will prompt for all delete actions.
Use checkboxes
in configuration
trees
If checked, sensor-e.com will attempt to use checkboxes in
configuration trees. Some versions of Windows do not support
the checkboxes.
Front Panel
Update all front
panel displays at
this periodic
interval (seconds)
If checked, sensor-e.com will update all the front panel windows
at the specified periodic rate. The default is checked and set to
10 seconds. When using slow connections, this setting should
not be set too low. For example, if 5 instruments are
simultaneously connected over a 2400 baud connection, and the
update period is set to 5 seconds, sensor-e.com will not be able
to fetch the display contents from all 5 instruments within 5
seconds. This will result in display requests getting queued up,
which will make sensor-e.com appear unresponsive to key
presses. In this example, an update interval of 15 seconds is
more appropriate. Keep in mind that the front panel display is
always refreshed immediately whenever a button is pressed. If
this option is unchecked, sensor-e.com will only refresh the front
panel when a button is pressed.
Logging
Log commands
sent to
instruments
If checked, sensor-e.com will write each command that it sends
to an instrument to the log file.
Log responses
received from
instruments
If checked, sensor-e.com will write each response that it receives
from an instrument to the log file.
Log errors
If checked, sensor-e.com will write error messages to the log file.
(Advanced
Feature)
2.5.
The sensor-e.com Network: Instruments and Sites. Cable,
Modem and Ethernet Connections
sensor-e.com works with three distinct types of objects: instruments, sites, and connectors. The diagram
below shows how these three objects (using modems as connectors) are related to each other and to
the physical equipment. Other connectors can be: direct cable, RS-232 to Ethernet converter or direct
Ethernet connection (future instruments)
039450000 Rev B
9
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
In the figure below, everything inside the box labeled “sensor-e.com” represents sensor-e.com program
objects, not physical equipment. From left to right, the diagram shows instruments, sites, and modems.
Everything else in the diagram represents physical equipment. Notice how sensor-e.com program
objects mirror the arrangement of the physical equipment.
Sensor-e.com
Local Computer
Sensor-e.com
TML-50
Sensor-e.com
TML-41
Sensor-e.com
Site A
Sensor-e.com
Modem
Remote Site A
TML- 50
Modem
Modem
Sensor-e.com
TML-30
TML - 41
TML - 30
Remote Site B
Sensor-e.com
TML- 10
Sensor-e.com
TML- 20
TML 10
Sensor-e.com
Site B
Sensor-e.com
Modem
Modem
Modem
Sensor-e.com
TML- 87
TML 20
TML 87
Figure 2-4: Instruments, Sites, and Connectors
2.5.1.
Configuring sensor-e.com Instruments
sensor-e.com maintains a list of all the instruments, which can be accessed by selecting Settingstoolbar button (refer to the following figure). This dialog is similar to
Instruments or clicking on the
the connection dialog shown in Figure 2-2, except that the CONNECT button is not available and the
“Close on connect” option is grayed-out. Each instrument in the list represents one monitor or calibrator.
sensor-e.com maintains separate properties for each instrument.
Figure 2-5: Instrument Dialog Box
10
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
2.5.1.1.
Step
1.
2.
Configuration
To open the Instrument Properties dialog box
Action
Comment
Using the mouse, click on the desired
instrument
Click on
instrument
or double-click on the
The Instrument Properties dialog box
appears (refer to Figure 2-6).
Most of the instrument properties are optional and are included for maximum compatibility with all of
button in the Basic tab (Figure 2-6) will reset all options to their
TML’s instruments. The
default values. Notice that only the instrument-specific communication settings appear in this dialog box.
The remaining communication settings are specified on a site-by-site basis. The following section
describes all instrument properties.
2.5.1.2.
Instrument Properties Tabs
Basic Tab
The following figure shows the instrument properties screen Basic tab. Table 2-3 identifies the instrument properties and provides a
brief description of each property.
Figure 2-6: Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Basic Tab
039450000 Rev B
11
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Table 2-3:
Instrument Properties, Basic Tab
Property
Description
Instrument Name
A user-defined name for the instrument. We recommend to use the model
number and an identifier (if more than one of the same model are used) This
name also appears in graphs and window captions as well as data file names.
Instrument ID
An ID number for the instrument. Not needed for single-instrument operation.
Must be unique if the TML multidrop protocol is being used. Also, it must match
the ID number specified by the MACHINE_ID setup variable in the instrument, or
in the SETUP-MORE-COMM-ID menu in most instruments. Used only if Enable
is checked.
Instrument Port
One of several RS-232 ports of the instrument that sensor-e.com is connected
to. Some newer instruments use different names for the setup variables that
control the RS-232 port settings; the Custom option allows specifying the
variable name.
Mode Var. Name
Setup variable name in the instrument for the RS-232 port settings. Used only if
the Instrument Port property is set to Custom.
Site Name
The site that the instrument resides at. Select the site from the list or define a
new site by clicking on
.
Sets all the properties for the instrument to their default values.
DAS configuration
Permits off-line editing of the instrument’s DAS configuration. Enabled only if
instrument has DAS and sensor-e.com was connected to the instrument and
downloaded its DAS configuration at least once. After connecting to an
instrument, it takes a few seconds to make this option available. During this time,
sensor-e.com does not respond to any user input.
Sequence
configuration
Permits off-line editing of the instrument’s sequence configuration. Enabled only
if instrument is an TML-700 and sensor-e.com was connected to it and
downloaded its sequence configuration at least once. Also takes several seconds
to become available.
Automatic Disconnect Tab
The following figure shows the instrument properties screen Automatic Disconnect tab.
Table 2-4 identifies the instrument properties and provides a brief description of each property.
Figure 2-7: Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Automatic Disconnect Tab
12
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Table 2-4:
Configuration
Instrument Properties, Automatic Disconnect Tab
Property
Description
Automatically
disconnects
sensor-e.com from
the instrument
(minutes)
If checked, sensor-e.com will automatically disconnect from the instrument,
including hanging up the modem, after the specified number of minutes of
inactivity. The inactivity timer is reset to zero every time a button on the front
panel window is pressed. Automatic disconnect is disabled while the DAS or
sequence configuration dialog boxes are open!
039450000 Rev B
13
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Code Activated Switch Tab
The following figure shows the instrument properties screen Code Activated Switch tab.
Table 2-5 identifies the instrument properties and provides a brief description of each property.
Figure 2-8: Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Code Activated Switch Tab
Table 2-5:
Instrument Properties, Code Activated Switch Tab
Property
Description
Send this code to
select instrument
This property allows connecting to multiple instruments by means of a codeoperated RS-232 switch (COS) instead of the TML multidrop protocol. sensore.com will transmit the characters specified in this property before
communicating with the instrument. Non-printable characters can be encoded by
entering them as a backslash character (\), followed by a lower case ‘x’, followed
by two hex digits. For example, enter the Ctrl-D (ASCII code 4) character in the
switch prefix property as “\x04”. If a hexadecimal sequence is followed by a
character in the hexadecimal range (i.e. 0-9 or A-D), that character must also be
entered using hexadecimal notation. For instance, to enter the sequence <CtrlD><2> to select port 2 on the COS, “\x04\x32” must be entered (04 for D, 32 for
2). See COS manual; available at the sensor-e.com website: http://www.sensore.com
Send this code to
deselect instrument
Like “Send this code to select instrument” accept that it’s sent to the codeoperated RS-232 switch after sensor-e.com is finished communicating with the
instrument. This property can be used to restore the switch position to a specific
port. Most communication with the instrument — pressing a button, for instance
— takes only a few seconds.
14
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Configuration
Handshaking Tab
The following figure shows the instrument properties screen Handshaking tab. Table 2-6 identifies the
instrument properties and provides a brief description of each property.
Figure 2-9: Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Handshaking Tab
Table 2-6:
Instrument Properties, Handshaking Tab
Property
Description
Receive timeout
Maximum time (in milliseconds) that sensor-e.com waits for a response from the
instrument after a command is sent. The instrument’s response time varies
depending on a number of factors, including its operating firmware, the
connection type, the baud rate, etc.
Transmit delay
Most of the instruments do not use any conventional RS-232 handshaking, such
as RTS/CTS or XON/XOFF. Newer instruments do support XON/XOFF
handshaking, which sensor-e.com also supports (see site configuration). This
transmit delay property inserts a brief delay between each line of DAS or
sequence configuration information that sensor-e.com sends to the instrument, in
lieu of conventional handshaking. This transmit delay prevents sensor-e.com
from overflowing the receive buffers of slower instruments, which will cause them
to reject the DAS or sequence configuration.
Security Tab
The following figure shows the instrument properties screen Security tab.
Table 2-7 identifies the instrument properties and provides a brief description of each property.
Figure 2-10: Instrument Properties Dialog Box, Security Tab
039450000 Rev B
15
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Table 2-7:
Instrument Properties, Security Tab
Property
Description
Use this password
to logon to an
instrument
If checked, sensor-e.com will use the specified password to logon to the
instrument when establishing a connection. Most of TML’s instruments have
some password mode in which the instrument will only accept commands after a
password has been submitted. Also refer to the section titled Modems below.
2.5.2.
Configuring Sites
sensor-e.com maintains a list of all the sites, which can be accessed by selecting Settings-Sites, as
shown below. Each site represents one physical site or one physical port on the host PC, at which
multiple instruments may reside. sensor-e.com maintains separate properties for each site. To modify
the properties for a site, double-click on the name, which will display the dialog box shown in Figure
2-11.
2.5.2.1.
Step
1.
2.
To modify Site settings
Action
Comment
While in the Site dialog box, double-click on
the desired site (refer to Figure 2-5)
The Site dialog box will open (refer to Figure
2-11).
Click on
instrument
or double-click on the
The Site Properties dialog box appears (refer to
Figure 2-11).
Figure 2-11: Site List Dialog and Site Properties Dialog
The site maintains all of the information necessary to connect to a particular site, including connection
type (direct cable or a modem), telephone number, connection speed, etc. One site may be shared by
several instruments. Since each site requires one COM port, modem or Ethernet address on the
computer, a user may only connect simultaneously to as many different sites as there are COM ports or
modems. Ethernet connection allows multiple sites with different IP addresses and is limited only by the
bandwidth of the host computer's TCP/IP connection. However, a user can connect simultaneously to
many different instruments at a single site, using either the TML multidrop feature or a code-operated
RS-232 switch. Regardless of the number of COM ports or modems, a user can specify multiple sites for
the same port. In this case, only one site can be used at a time. A click on
will reset all of
the properties to their default values. The table below describes the site connection properties shown in
Figure 2-11.
16
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Configuration
Table 2-8:
Site Properties
Property
Description
Name
A user-defined name for the site. The name appears in graphs and window
captions. The site name is combined with the instrument name to form a title for
dialog boxes and graphs. For example, a “sensor-e SO2 & O2” instrument name
and a “ML660” site name are combined for front panel window titles such as
“sensor-e SO2 & O2 at ML660”
Connection Type
Selects whether the connection is made by means of a direct cable, modem or
by TCP/IP (Ethernet). Two kinds of modems are supported: Windows (TML)
modems and non-Windows modems. The use of Windows modems is
recommended, however, some older modems may not be supported by
Windows. In these cases, the non-Windows modem support can be used. The
TCP/IP option is an experimental implementation only at this time and is
supported only for a few specific RS-232 to Ethernet converters.
Once a connection type is selected, it must be configured by clicking on
.
2.5.3.
Direct Cable Connections
If a site’s Connection Type property is set to Direct Cable, then clicking on
first dialog box shown in the following figure.
will display the
Figure 2-12: Direct Cable Connection Properties and Port Settings Dialogs
The first dialog box only displays the COM ports that are present on the host computer. It is possible
that even though a COM port is physically present, it is reserved by some other application, and
consequently it doesn’t appear in the list. Furthermore, devices such as mouse, games and terminal
programs may be using one COM port. Even though these ports would show in the list, they cannot be
used for sensor-e.com. sensor-e.com needs a dedicated, free COM port to operate (However, several
programs can share one COM port if operated in alternating sequence, one at a time). Select the COM
port to use and click on
, which will display the second dialog box in Figure 2-12.
This dialog box is a standard Windows dialog. sensor-e.com only uses the Bits per second, Data bits,
Parity, Stop bits, and Flow control (NONE or XON/XOFF only) properties, even if the COM port
hardware has more settings. sensor-e.com does not support Hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control
because none of the instruments do. sensor-e.com does support XON/XOFF flow control, but all
instruments at one site need to do so. In that case, XON/XOFF flow control needs to be enabled in each
instrument by setting its RS232_MODE variable.
039450000 Rev B
17
Configuration
2.5.4.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Windows (TML) Modem Connections
If a site’s Connection Type property is set to Windows Modem, then clicking on
the following dialog box.
will display
Figure 2-13: Windows Modem Connection Properties Dialog
Editing the Windows modem settings must be done using the Windows Control Panel or the software
provided by the modem manufacturer. This approach was chosen in order to keep sensor-e.com as
simple as possible. The following table describes the Windows modem connection properties.
Table 2-9:
Windows Modem Connection Properties
Property
Description
Modem
The Windows modem to use. Configure the modem with the Windows Control
Panel.
Telephone Number
The telephone number to dial if the connection is a modem connection. Insert the
tilde (~) character to impose a delay in the dialing process.
Connection
Timeout
The maximum number of seconds to wait for the modem connection to be
established.
2.5.5.
Non-Windows Modem Connections
If a site’s Connection Type property is set to Other Modem, then clicking on
following dialog box.
will display the
Figure 2-14: Non-Windows Modem Connection Properties Dialog
Notice that this connection type has properties in common with both the direct cable and Windows
modem connection types. As for direct cable connections, this dialog box only displays the COM ports
that are present on the host computer. It is possible that even though a COM port is physically present
on the computer, it is reserved by some other application and does not appear in the list. Select the
COM port to be used and click on
, which will display the same port settings dialog box as for
direct cable connections. A modem type must be selected as well. If no modem types are defined, click
on
to define a modem type (see the section below). The table below describes the non-Windows
modem connection properties shown in Figure 2-14.
18
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Configuration
Table 2-10: Non-Windows Modem Connection Properties
Property
Description
Comm. Port
The COM port on the computer that the modem is attached to. Most internal
modems emulate a COM port. Consult the modem documentation or the
Windows Control Panel to determine which COM port the modem emulates.
Modem Type
The modem type to use. Click on
to define or edit a modem type.
Telephone Number
The telephone number to dial if the connection is a modem connection. Insert
the tilde (~) character to impose a delay in the dialing process.
Connection
Timeout
The maximum number of seconds to wait for the modem connection to be
established.
2.5.6.
Modems
sensor-e.com maintains a list of all the non-Windows modems, which can be accessed by selecting
toolbar button (refer to Figure 2-15). The list of Windows
Settings-Modems or clicking on the
modems is maintained and managed by the Windows operating system, not sensor-e.com.
Each modem represents one type of modem that can be used to connect to a site. This is the modem
attached to the computer running sensor-e.com, not the modem at the remote site.
Usually, the standard Hayes-compatible modem will work. But if the modem requires special settings, a
new modem type can be defined and select it in the site connection dialog.
Figure 2-15: Modem List Dialog
The modem properties are shared by all sites using that modem type, so only one modem configuration
has to be created for each type of modem. sensor-e.com maintains separate properties for each
modem type. To modify the properties for a modem, select the modem in the list with the mouse and
click on
039450000 Rev B
, which will display the dialog box shown in the following figure.
19
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 2-16: Modem Properties Dialog
The default properties should work for most standard modems. If properties were changed, clicking on
will reset all parameters to the defaults. Notice that the commands include the “AT”
command prefix. When sensor-e.com establishes a non-Windows modem connection it sends the
commands to the modem in the following order:
Reset command (e.g. “ATZ”)
Wait for OK response (e.g. “OK”)
Initialization command (e.g. “AT &F E0 M0 Q0 V1”)
Wait for OK response (e.g. “OK”)
Dial command + telephone number (e.g. “ATDT555 123 4567”)
Wait for connect response (e.g. “CONNECT”)
When sensor-e.com terminates a non-Windows modem connection it sends the commands to the
modem in the following order:
Wait 1 second
Data mode command (e.g. “+++”)
Wait for OK response (e.g. “OK”)
Hangup command (e.g. “ATH0”)
Wait for OK response (e.g. “OK”)
Reset command (e.g. “ATZ”)
Wait for OK response (e.g. “OK”)
The following table describes the modem type properties.
Table 2-11: Modem Properties
Property
Description
Name
A user-defined name for the modem. Should be something descriptive, such as
the manufacturer and model name. For user interface only.
OK response
The string that the modem sends to sensor-e.com to indicate successful
execution of a command.
20
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Configuration
Property
Description
Connect response
The string that the modem sends to sensor-e.com to indicate that a connection
has been established.
Data mode
command
The command that switches the modem from online mode into data mode.
Reset command
The command that resets the modem to its power up state.
Initialization
command
The command that initializes the modem.
Dial command
The command that tells the modem to dial a telephone number, using either
tone or pulse dialing.
Hangup command
The command that tells the modem to hang up.
2.5.7.
Ethernet Connections
If the Connection Type is set to TCP/IP, clicking on
will bring up TCP/IP Connection
Properties dialog box in which the IP (Internet Protocol) address and the TCP Port need to be specified
(refer to the following figure). The TCP/IP option is an experimental implementation only at this time and
is not supported by TML. It works only for a few specific RS-232 to Ethernet converters. Please monitor
our website for more information on this issue. Manufacturer and model information will be provided as
soon as testing is completed.
Figure 2-17: TCP/IP Connection Properties Dialog Box
Future E-series instruments may have the option for internal TCP/IP connectivity.
2.6.
Configuration Storage
sensor-e.com stores information in different places, as described below.
2.6.1.
Global Options
sensor-e.com stores its global options in the computer’s registry under
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Monitor Labs Instrumentation\sensor-e.com
Global options include all of the settings in the Settings-Options menu, the name of the network
configuration file last used, the names of the most recently used network configuration files, the global
DAS record selection criteria, and the position and size of various windows and dialog boxes. sensore.com permits changing the size of many dialog boxes and windows, and it remembers the last used
size and position of each window. sensor-e.com also remembers the names of the four most recently
used network configuration files, which appear in the File menu.
2.6.2.
sensor-e.com Network Configuration:
The sensor-e.com network configuration (see Section 2.5), which consists of instruments, sites, and
non-Windows modems, is stored in a file traditionally called sensor-e.com.cfg, which - by default - is
located in the same directory as sensor-e.com.EXE. However, the network configuration can be stored
in a file with any name and a .CFG extension in any location on disk or a local area network. This
enables creating different configuration files to represent different networks and to share configuration
settings with other users.
039450000 Rev B
21
Configuration
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
sensor-e.com also stores the DAS or sequence configuration for each instrument in this file. This allows
you to create predefined standard DAS and sequence configurations and easily upload them to an
instrument upon connection. These configurations can also be edited offline after they were created or
downloaded without connecting to an instrument. Maintaining different .CFG files allows to create any
number of instruments, each with distinct names, and various configurations to suit all needs.
2.6.3.
sensor-e.com Network Configuration File Types
sensor-e.com supports two different network configuration file formats: a binary format (.CFG) and a text
format (.CFX). The binary format is used for operation and the text format is provided for future versions
of sensor-e.com to be able to read configurations created by earlier versions. Configurations can be
stored in either format for sensor-e.com to work. However, the .CFX format stores only the instrument,
site, and modem configuration. It does not store the DAS and sequence configuration for an instrument.
To store the DAS and sequence configuration for each instrument, the .CFG format must be used.
To save a configuration in the text format, select File–Save As and select Text network configuration
Files from the Save as type drop-down field. Enter the file name, and click on
.
NOTE
.CFX configuration files should not be directly edited because syntax or typographical errors
could render a configuration file unreadable by sensor-e.com or the instrument.
sensor-e.com displays the name of the currently used configuration file in the title bar of its main
application window.
sensor-e.com also indicates that a configuration has been modified by appending “(Modified)” to the
configuration file name in the application’s title bar:
2.6.4.
Saving Network Configuration Files
The current network configuration can be saved at any time by clicking on the
selecting File-Save from the main menu.
toolbar button or by
sensor-e.com will automatically save modified configuration files upon exiting if that option was enabled
in the Settings-Options menu. However, if that option was not enabled and the configuration has been
modified before exiting the program, sensor-e.com will prompt to save the changes.
2.6.5.
Opening Network Configuration Files with Windows Shortcuts
Different network configurations can be maintained and easily used by creating a Windows shortcut that
specifies the configuration file on sensor-e.com’s command line. A user could, for example, create a
different icon on the desktop to represent each network configuration. To do this, simply locate the .CFG
file and right-click and drag the icon to the desktop, then select "Create Shortcut" from the menu.
22
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
3.
Basic Operation
BASIC OPERATION
3.1.
Connecting to an Instrument
To connect to an instrument and display its Front Panel Window, click on
, type
Ctrl-C on the computer keyboard, or select File-Connect from the Main Application Window. See Figure
2-2 for an example of the connection dialog box.
There are three ways to establish the connection:
Select an instrument from the list and click on
.
Press Enter on the computer keyboard.
Double-click on the instrument name in the list.
If the “Close on connect” option at the bottom of the connection dialog is checked, the dialog window will
automatically close while sensor-e.com establishes the connection. If this option is not checked, the
dialog will remain open, permitting the user to initiate several connections in one step.
If the connection is via a direct cable, the Front Panel Window should promptly display the contents of
the instrument’s physical display. If the connection is via a modem, it will take some time for sensore.com to dial the remote site. Ethernet connection speed may vary depending on the internet speed.
sensor-e.com establishes the front panel first and then connects to the underlying software. The front
panel cannot be used until the button Download, graph, save data… is displayed in black. Older
instruments without this functionality can be used right away.
sensor-e.com may not be able to connect to the instrument for many reasons. The wrong COM port or
settings may be in use. The cable may be the wrong type or low quality. The wrong modem type may be
selected. The connection may be a direct cable connection when it should be a modem connection. The
cables may not be attached. The instrument ID may be incorrect. A switch prefix may be in use when it
should not be, or is not in use when it should be.
3.2.
Front Panel Buttons
A button on the Front Panel Window can be activated two different ways: by clicking on the button with
the mouse, or by typing key 1–8 on the computer keyboard. As buttons on the Front Panel Window are
activated, the graphical display changes.
NOTE
While using sensor-e.com, be careful not to change any setting that may affect the RS-232
connection, such as the RS-232 mode, the baud rate, or the instrument ID number.
3.3.
Disconnecting From an Instrument
To disconnect from an instrument, press the Esc key on the computer keyboard while the Front Panel
Window is displayed, or click on
in the upper right hand corner of the Front Panel Window. sensore.com will prompt for confirmation and will also prompt if the DAS settings were changed without saving
or uploading them. When all instruments from a particular site are closed, the site and modem
connection is closed, too.
3.4.
Exiting sensor-e.com
To exit sensor-e.com, press Alt-F4 on the computer keyboard while the Main Application Window is
in the upper right hand corner of the Main Application Window
displayed (see Figure 2-1), or click on
or select File-Exit from the main menu.
039450000 Rev B
23
Basic Operation
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
sensor-e.com will prompt the user if there is any front panel left open and if the network configuration file
was changed and not yet saved.
24
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
4.
DAS Configuration and Data Access
DAS CONFIGURATION AND DATA ACCESS
A major feature of sensor-e.com is its ability to modify the built-in DAS configuration and access the
DAS data in a remote instrument. The current instrument configuration can be downloaded, modified,
and then sent back to the instrument. Once the DAS configuration was downloaded, it can be edited offline, saving money on long distance phone connections to the instrument.
NOTE
Sending a DAS configuration to the instrument will completely replace its existing configuration
and discard all of the instrument's stored data. We suggest that you download any data and save
both data and the configuration on local disk before making any changes to the DAS.
DAS data can be safely downloaded, graphed and saved in a file without discarding the configuration or
data in the instrument. The DAS configuration can also be changed by using the instrument’s own
menus through the Front Panel Window by pressing the appropriate buttons. Changing the configuration
using the instrument’s own menus will only discard data stored in the instrument if the number of
records or parameters is changed. sensor-e.com can also be used to automatically download data in
unattended mode and to append the data to existing files (see Section 4.12).
4.1.
Supported Instruments
The DAS capability of sensor-e.com is only supported by AMX-based analyzers, not calibrators, as
shown in Table 4-1. Remote DAS configuration is only supported in AMX instruments with library
revision 2.1 or higher. Check the library revision of an instrument by pressing SETUP-CFG or in the
Instrument Information Dialog. Please see Appendix A for compatibility issues on advanced DAS
functionality:
Table 4-1:
Instruments Containing DAS
Instrument
SO2 TML-50
CO TML-30
H2S TML-87
O3 TML-10
TRS TML-60
NH3 TML-42
NOx TML-41
CO2 TML-20
Upon connection to an instrument, sensor-e.com attempts to determine if that instrument contains the
DAS capability, and if so, it enables the
button in the Front Panel Window
(see Figure 1-1). If this button is not enabled even though the instrument has the DAS capability, simply
disconnect from the instrument and reconnect.
4.2.
DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog
Click on
in the Front Panel Window (see Figure 1-1) or select Download,
graph, save data… in the system menu (icon in the top-left corner of the instrument window) to display
the following dialog box:
039450000 Rev B
25
DAS Configuration and Data Access
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 4-1: DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog
This dialog box displays both the DAS configuration and the number of records downloaded for each
parameter. Initially, the configuration list is empty. Press the
button to download the
instrument’s DAS configuration. This dialog box can also be entered off-line when editing the
instrument’s properties by clicking on
. When the DAS configuration is
edited off-line, the buttons related to downloading, uploading, and data access are disabled. Note that
the configuration must have been downloaded at least once to edit it off-line. A new configuration can be
edited off-line without prior download.
The table below summarizes the functions of the buttons in the DAS Configuration and Downloaded
Data Dialog (Figure 4-1).
Table 4-2:
Button
DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog Buttons
Description
Configuration Buttons
Downloads the DAS configuration from the instrument into sensor-e.com and
discards any data stored in sensor-e.com.
Sends the DAS configuration in sensor-e.com to the instrument. This will completely
replace the instrument’s current DAS configuration and discard all of the data stored
in the instrument.
Loads the DAS configuration from a text file stored on the computer. This
configuration may be edited and saved on the computer again, or it may be sent to
an instrument. This configuration file may have been downloaded from the
instrument using the “D PRINT SCRIPT” RS-232 command, or it may have been
created using the
button in sensor-e.com.
Saves the DAS configuration to a text file on the computer. This configuration file is
suitable for uploading to the instrument via its RS-232 interface.
Creates a new, empty DAS configuration.
26
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Button
DAS Configuration and Data Access
Description
Creates a new channel.
Creates a new parameter on the selected channel.
Creates a duplicate of the selected channel or parameter. This button facilitates
creating channels or parameters that are minor variations of existing ones. When
selected, it will prompt for a new channel name. Channel names must be unique.
Edits the properties of the selected parameter or channel.
Deletes the selected parameter or channel.
Data Buttons
Turns the automatic data download feature on and off.
Downloads the data for the selected parameter or channel from the instrument.
Graphs the data for the selected parameter or channel.
Saves the data for the selected parameter or channel in a text file.
Views the data for the selected parameter or channel as a table on the computer
screen.
Enables downloading, viewing, or saving the number of samples in each average.
Only newer instruments support this option.
Selection Buttons
Selects all the channels and parameters in the list.
Unselects all the channels and parameters in the list.
Expands all the channels in the list, showing all the parameters.
Collapses all the channels in the list, hiding all the parameters.
4.3.
Downloading the DAS Configuration
Download the remote instrument’s DAS configuration by clicking on
. Any DAS data that
were previously downloaded by sensor-e.com will be discarded (but are not affected within the
instrument).
sensor-e.com stores the last used DAS configuration of any instrument in the network configuration file
(.CFG). If the configuration was already downloaded from this instrument, the DAS configuration will
appear in the dialog. After downloading the DAS configuration, which should take a few seconds, the
dialog box will look similar to the following example:
In Figure 4-1, the channels have been expanded to show all the parameters. The dialog box displays a
summary of the channels, including the channel name, the triggering event, and the maximum number
of records the channel stores. The parameter summary includes the parameter name and numeric units,
the sampling mode, the record set number, and the number of records actually downloaded from the
instrument. Since no data have been downloaded yet, the number of records is zero for all the
parameters.
039450000 Rev B
27
DAS Configuration and Data Access
4.4.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Saving the DAS Configuration
Saving the DAS configuration of any instrument to disk is useful to maintain several different
measurement protocols (frequent data acquisition for trouble-shooting and engineering, long-term
averages for monitoring, etc.) or simply to keep a backup when replacing the firmware of the analyzer.
There are two ways to save the DAS configuration. sensor-e.com automatically stores the DAS
configuration in its network configuration file when the configuration file is saved. This copy is not
permanent. The second way is to save the DAS configuration as a text file on disk. When using the
button, sensor-e.com prompts for a file name. The default file name format is:
“<Instrument Name>-< Instrument Serial Number> DAS Configuration.txt”
This name can be changed to any other file name. Once saved as a text file, it can be loaded by using
button or uploaded to the instrument by using sensor-e.com (
the
terminal program.
4.5.
) or a simple
Modifying the DAS Configuration
sensor-e.com can only modify the DAS configuration in AMX instruments with library revision 2.4 or
higher. This section assumes familiarity with configuring the DAS in an instrument. Refer to the built-in
DAS manual (Built-In DAS Manual.doc) for more information on configuring the DAS. sensor-e.com
facilitates configuring the instrument’s DAS in the following ways:
sensor-e.com takes advantage of the larger area of the computer screen to display more of the DAS
configuration than the instrument can on its instrument display.
sensor-e.com validates the user’s inputs and verifies that the configuration is successfully sent to the
instrument. An error message is displayed on unsuccessful upload.
sensor-e.com allows to load DAS configurations stored on the computer and to send them to the
instrument, making it quick and easy to load the same configuration into multiple instruments.
sensor-e.com can store many DAS configurations on the computer, allowing a user to download
different configurations for different purposes.
To download the current configuration, click on
on
4.5.1.
. To start a new, empty configuration, click
. To start with a configuration that was previously saved, click on
.
Adding or Modifying a Channel
A channel can be expanded to see its parameters by clicking on the “+” boxes next to the channel
names. A channel can also be expanded or collapsed by double-clicking on it. To add a new channel,
or right-click on any existing channel, which will bring up the context menu
either click on
shown below, and select New Channel. The maximum number of channels that can be configured is 20
per instrument. The maximum number of parameters created by sensor-e.com in each channel is 10
and the maximum number of data records in each channel is 64000. However, the A-series analyzers
are limited by 64 KB data memory, hence the average number of records (depending on the number of
channels and parameters and if the number of samples in a concentration average is recorded) is much
lower, typically around 3000-12000 records. Sensor-e instruments can have up to 50 parameters per
channel if entered via the instrument’s front panel and have 1 MB of data storage capacity or the ability
to store up to about 1000000 records.
Figure 4-2: DAS Channel Context Menu
To edit the existing channel, select Edit
will bring up the following tabbed dialog
28
– Adding or Modifying a Channel
Channel or click on
box.
, which
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
DAS Configuration and Data Access
Figure 4-3: DAS Channel Properties Dialog – Basic and Advanced Tabs
The following table describes the tab parameter properties shown above.
Table 4-3:
DAS Channel Properties
Tab
Property
Description
Basic
Channel Name
The name of the channel, up to 20 characters long. For RS232 reports of this channel, the name will be truncated to 6
characters in order to maintain a neat printed format. The
name should not contain any spaces.
Number of Records
The number of records to store for this channel. The
maximum number of records that can be stored (across all
channels) typically ranges from 3000–12000 and depends on
the number of parameters in each channel and the number of
channels.
Trigger Event
The instrument event that triggers recording of this channel:
an automatic timer event, a calibration event, or a warning
event.
Enable Channel
If checked, the channel will store records. If unchecked, the
channel will not store records. This property can disable a
channel without having to delete it.
Hold Off
If checked, this channel will not store any records during the
hold off interval (calibration period). If unchecked, this
channel will store records regardless of the hold off state.
Print Reports
If checked, this channel will print each record that it stores to
the RS-232 interface (and dump it to e.g. a Terminal
program). If unchecked, it will store the record but not print it.
When sensor-e.com is connected to the instrument, the
records will not be printed to the RS-232 interface, regardless
of the setting of this property.
039450000 Rev B
29
DAS Configuration and Data Access
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Tab
Property
Description
Basic
(cont.)
Compact Reports
If checked, records printed to the RS-232 will be printed with
up to 5 records per line. If unchecked, each record will be
printed on a separate line. This property only applies if the
Print Reports property is checked.
Start Date
The date when the DAS starts storing records. By default,
this is a date in the past, but if set to the future, the
instrument won’t start storing records until that date.
Start Time
Time on the starting date when the DAS should start storing
records.
Sample Period
Number of days, hours, and minutes, measured from the
starting date and time, between each sampled data point. At
least one of the three fields of this property must be non-zero.
Report Period
Number of days, hours, and minutes, measured from the
starting date and time, between each reported record. At
least one of the three fields of this property must be non-zero.
If sample period is larger or identical to the report period, the
resulting value will be an instantaneous value every report
period. If the sample period is smaller than the report period
(and the parameter is set to AVG), the resulting value is an
average over Report/Sample number of instantaneous values
every report period.
Select this channel for
automatic download
If checked, data for this channel will be downloaded
Download Period
This is the number of days, hours, and minutes, between
each automatic data download. At least one of the three
fields of this property must be non-zero.
Date/time of last
download
The last date and time that data was downloaded from this
channel. This is a read-only field, it cannot be modified
Specify record selection
criteria for automatic
downloads
This specifies the criteria for downloading data records
automatically. This selection criteria is separate from the
Advanced
4.5.2.
automatically when the
button is pressed.
global one used with the
button, and is specified
for each channel to afford maximum flexibility.
File to download data to
This is the file to download data too automatically. The name
can be freely chosen, i.e. with user-defined extension .csv,
.prn, .dat, .sensor-e.com etc for easier import into data
analysis programs.
Append downloaded
data to file
If checked, sensor-e.com will append new data to the existing
file. Otherwise it will completely overwrite the file.
DAS Channel Names
When a channel’s properties are edited, sensor-e.com checks to make sure that the channel name is
unique and contains valid characters. sensor-e.com does not perform this check when downloading a
configuration from an instrument or when loading a configuration from a file because it assumes that the
names are already valid in these cases. If the name is invalid because it isn’t unique or because it
contains invalid characters, sensor-e.com will display an error message and remain in the channel
property dialog.
30
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
DAS Configuration and Data Access
When editing the DAS channel names through the front panel push buttons, the instrument will only
allow to use upper case characters with no more than 6 characters. However, sensor-e.com permits the
use of longer names and lower case characters. When viewing the channel names using the
instrument’s menus, however, the display will be truncated to 6 characters (with the remaining name
stored and recognized in memory). This limitation is due to the size of the instrument’s display.
Some older instruments with DAS support may require unique, 6 character names. If long channel
names create problems, we recommend making the names unique within the first 6 characters and,
failing that, make the names no longer than 6 characters. The names are not case-sensitive in any
instrument.
4.5.3.
Duplicating a Channel
sensor-e.com can duplicate a channel and all its properties including parameters. Simply select a
or right-click on a channel and select Duplicate Channel from the
channel and click on
context menu. sensor-e.com will create a new channel and prompt the user for a new channel name to
ensure a unique name.
4.5.4.
Deleting a Channel
To delete a channel, simply select the channel and click on
. Alternatively, the user can rightclick on a channel and select Delete Channel from the context menu. In either case, sensor-e.com
prompts to confirm the deletion. Prompts like this can be disabled in the Settings-Options menu. When
a channel is deleted, all the parameters in it and all the data downloaded for the channel are
automatically deleted as well. It is recommended to make frequent backups of DAS scripts on disk to
avoid duplicate work in case of accidental deletion.
4.5.5.
Adding or Modifying a Parameter
In order to capture any data, a channel must contain at least one parameter. To add a new parameter to
while a channel is selected, or right-click on any existing
a channel, either click on
parameter in the channel, which will bring up the menu shown below, and select New Parameter. If
sensor-e.com refuses to create a new parameter, the maximum number of parameters may have been
exceeded. The maximum number of channels is 20 per instrument. The maximum number of
parameters created by sensor-e.com in each channel is 10 and the maximum number of data records in
each channel is 64000. However, the A-series analyzers are limited by 64 KB data memory, hence the
average number of records (depending on the number of channels and parameters and if the number of
samples in a concentration average is recorded) is much lower, typically around 3000-12000 records.
Sensore-e instruments can have up to 50 parameters per channel if entered via the instrument’s front
panel and have 1 MB of data storage capacity or the ability to store up to about 100000 records.
Figure 4-4: DAS Parameter Context Menu – Adding or Modifying a Parameter
To edit any existing parameter, click on Edit Parameter or
dialog box.
039450000 Rev B
, which will bring up the following
31
DAS Configuration and Data Access
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 4-5: DAS Parameter Properties Dialog
The following table describes the parameter properties shown above.
Table 4-4:
Property
DAS Parameter Properties
Description
Parameter
This is the instrument-specific parameter to sample. The list of parameters differs
from instrument to instrument and even from one instrument firmware version to
another.
Sample Mode
This is the mode to sample the parameter with. Choices are AVG (average), INST
(instantaneous), MIN (minimum), or MAX (maximum).
Precision
This is the numeric precision to use when displaying a parameter value (range 0-4).
It is used to display the parameter values in the menus and in the RS-232 reports. It
is used by sensor-e.com when viewing and saving downloaded data.
Store number of
samples in average
This option will store the number of samples in each concentration average (no
other parameters). This option is only available in newer instruments and will be
disabled if the instrument doesn’t support it.
4.5.6.
Duplicating a Parameter
To duplicate a parameter and all its properties, simply select a parameter and click on
or
right-click on a parameter and select Duplicate Parameter from the context menu. sensor-e.com will
create a new parameter of the same type and add it to the end of the channel’s parameter list. The
parameter name can be identical to the original without conflict. This can be used to, e.g., sample one
parameter using the MIN, AVG, and MAX sampling modes.
4.5.7.
Deleting a Parameter
To delete a parameter, simply select the parameter and click on
. Alternatively, the user can
right-click on a parameter and select Delete Parameter from the context menu. In either case, sensore.com prompts to confirm the deletion. This prompt can be disabled in the Settings-Options menu.
4.6.
Sending the DAS Configuration to the Instrument
To send the DAS configuration to the instrument, click on
. Sending the DAS configuration to
the instrument will completely replace the instrument’s current DAS configuration and discard all of the
data stored in the instrument. Therefore, sensor-e.com will prompt to confirm the operation before
proceeding.
Older analyzer firmware revisions may not support this functionality, see Appendix A or the website for
more information. In this case, the
and other buttons will be grayed-out.
If the send operation is successful, sensor-e.com will display the following dialog box.
32
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
DAS Configuration and Data Access
Figure 4-6: Successful DAS Send Dialog
If the send operation is unsuccessful, sensor-e.com will display the following dialog box. Some possible
causes of this error are that a channel name contains spaces or that the instruments receive buffer
overflowed while receiving the DAS configuration. Try enabling one or more handshaking options,
particularly the Transmit Delay option in the instrument properties dialog. Also, lowering the baud rate
often solves this problem.
Figure 4-7: Unsuccessful DAS Send Dialog
4.7.
Downloading DAS Data
To download DAS data, check the desired channels or parameters in the dialog box by clicking in the
checkboxes next to each name. (The checkboxes may not appear in some versions of Windows. If this
is the case, the problem can be fixed by upgrading to Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher and NT 4.0, service
pack 4 or higher.) A work-around is to right-click on a channel or parameter and use Select Channel or
Select Parameter to select it or deselect it. The checkmark next to the menu item shows the channel’s
or parameter’s current selection state.
When a channel is selected or deselected, all of its parameters are automatically selected or
deselected, too. Alternatively, the user can choose to SELECT ALL or DESELCT ALL by using the
, sensor-e.com will
appropriate buttons on the bottom right of the window. Upon clicking on
present the following record selection dialog to choose which records should be downloaded. See table
for explanation of each option.
Figure 4-8: Select Records Dialog
039450000 Rev B
33
DAS Configuration and Data Access
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
The following table describes the properties shown above.
Table 4-5:
Select Records Dialog
Property
Description
All
Downloads all the records stored in the instrument for the selected channels or
parameters.
Since last
download
Downloads all the records stored since the last download.
Most recent
records
Downloads the most recent N records.
Most recent hours
Downloads the records from the most recent N hourly intervals. For instance, a
value of 1 will download all records from the beginning of the current hour; a
value of 2, from the beginning of the previous hour, etc.
Most recent days
Downloads the records from the most recent N daily intervals.
Most recent weeks
Downloads the records from the most recent N weekly intervals.
Most recent months
Downloads the records from the most recent N monthly intervals.
Between, and
Downloads only the records between specified range of dates and times.
Use instrument’s
date/time selection
commands
If checked sensor-e.com will let the instrument search for records within the
requested date/time range using the instrument’s date/time records. This may
speed up download times, as only the requested data are downloaded.
However, some instruments are very slow at this, particularly if the DAS data
files in the instrument are large, and sensor-e.com might timeout while waiting
for the instrument to respond (set time-out period in the Instrument Properties Handshaking dialog). If sensor-e.com cannot successfully use this option with
an instrument, simply uncheck it and sensor-e.com will download all the records
and then filter out the ones that are not in the requested date/time range, using
the date/time listing of the downloaded file. This is potentially slower, but may
be more reliable. Only newer firmware revisions will support this functionality,
see website for a table of supported firmware revisions.
Specify the record selection criteria to use and click on
to begin downloading. Note that
DAS data downloads can take several minutes, depending on the baud rate and how many data were
selected. There is no option to cancel a download once initiated because the instruments don’t offer any
interrupt capability.
Instruments actually store DAS records approximately one second after the programmed time. For
instance, if an instrument is programmed to store a record at 10:00:00, it will actually store it at 10:00:01.
This slight delay ensures that the record is stored after the sampling interval is completed. It is important
to be aware of this behavior when using the between option above, and set the ending time a few
seconds beyond the last time of desired download. For example, if records up to 10:00:00 are desired,
the ending time limit should be 10:00:05.
For instruments that do not support the date range download, sensor-e.com must download all the
records and then discard the ones outside the requested date range. Thus, in many instruments it takes
just as long to download records by date range as it does to download all the records. After the records
have been downloaded, the DAS Configuration and Downloaded Data Dialog might look like the
following figure:
34
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
DAS Configuration and Data Access
Figure 4-9: Downloaded DAS Data
Note the number of records that were downloaded from the Concentration and Pneumatic channels
(32), and from the SlopeOffset channel (1).
sensor-e.com remembers the downloaded DAS data as long as it is connected to the instrument or until
the configuration is downloaded again. When the instrument is disconnected, the data are discarded to
conserve memory.
4.7.1.
DAS Record Sets
sensor-e.com implements the notion of a record set. Each time DAS data are downloaded from an
instrument, sensor-e.com increments the record set number. Only parameters downloaded as part of
the same record set may be combined in group operations, such as graphing, saving to a file, or
viewing. Records downloaded from different channels are implicitly in different record sets. In the
example above three record sets are created: 18, 19, and 20. Records from different record sets cannot
be mixed because they may contain a different number of records or have different time stamps or
intervals.
4.8.
Graphing DAS Data
After downloading data, they can be graphed in a window by selecting one or more parameters in the
Parameters list that are in the same record set and clicking
the same graph.
. All parameters will be plotted on
The Graph Window can be resized by dragging the window border with the mouse. sensor-e.com
remembers the position and size of the last closed graph window. Up to three graph windows can be
opened at any time. When graphing data that are significantly different in magnitude, each parameter
should be graphed in a separate window as shown in the following figure.
039450000 Rev B
35
DAS Configuration and Data Access
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 4-10: Graphing Multiple DAS Parameters with Different Scales
In the example above, each graph window has a different Y-axis scale that is appropriate for the range
of data values being graphed; as all data stem from the same record set, X-axes are time-aligned.
The primary purpose of the Graph Window is to preview the data. For more sophisticated graphs we
recommend downloading and saving the data, and then import them into e.g., a spreadsheet program.
4.9.
Viewing DAS Data
Data can also be viewed on-screen in table format. To view DAS data, select one or more parameters
from the same record set or an entire channel and click
format like that shown in Figure 4-11.
. This will display the data in a table
This window can be resized by dragging its edges with the mouse and adjusting the column widths as
needed. sensor-e.com remembers the position and size of the dialog, except for the column layout,
which changes with different parameters.
Figure 4-11: Viewing DAS Data
Newer versions of the DAS can store the number of samples in an average. If this option is enabled for
a parameter, there will be an additional column after each parameter showing the number of samples in
each average, as shown in the example below. This extra column will only show after a parameter is
storing the number of samples. Storing the number of samples will decrease the maximum possible
number of data that can be stored in the DAS!
36
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
4.9.1.
DAS Configuration and Data Access
Changing the Precision of DAS Data When Viewing or Saving
Downloaded data are formatted using the precision setting specified in the instrument’s DAS
configuration. However, DAS data are always downloaded in their full resolution, hence, the precision of
downloaded data can be changed for viewing or saving by editing the parameter’s properties and
changing the precision as desired.
4.10.
Saving DAS Data
After download, data can be saved to a file by selecting one or more parameters in the Parameters list
. Only data from the same record set can be saved in the same file. sensorand clicking
e.com will store each selected parameter in a separate column in the file, separated by commas so that
the file can be imported into other programs, such as a spreadsheet program for further analysis. The
following figure shows a sample of a saved data file, which is similar to the view format shown above,
except. that the saved file separates date and time columns.
Figure 4-12: Saved DAS Data
The first line in the example above is the header line, which labels the columns. The data records begin
on the second line, and each consists of a complete time stamp and one or more readings. All fields are
separated by commas. Storing the number of samples will create another column labeled “Samples,”
which shows how many samples are in each average reading. Renaming this output file to an extension
“.csv” enables to launch it directly into Microsoft Excel when double-clicking on the file.
4.10.1.
DAS Data File Names
sensor-e.com utilizes the long filename capability of Windows to help distinguish data files:
“<Instrument Name>-< Instrument Serial Number>-<Channel Name>-<1st Parameter Name><YYYYMMDD>-<Record Set #>.txt”
4.10.2.
Saving DAS Data to an Existing File
DAS data can be appended to an existing file by following the same steps as for saving the data.
Instead of accepting the automatically generated file name, simply click on an existing file in the file save
dialog. sensor-e.com will prompt to replace the file with the new data or to append the new data to the
end of the file. When appending data, sensor-e.com will not write a new header line.
Caution: sensor-e.com allows appending data from different parameters or channels. This is because
the program does not log all saved data file names. Make sure to append data only to a file with
compatible column format, otherwise data may not line up with their correct date/time stamps.
4.11.
Discarding DAS Data
sensor-e.com stores the downloaded DAS data as long as it is connected to the instrument. When the
instrument is disconnected, the data are discarded to conserve memory. Make sure to download and
save data before they get overwritten in the DAS.
DAS data can consume up to several megabytes of the computer’s RAM memory. If the host computer
is experiencing memory shortages, try reducing the data amount that sensor-e.com stores by only
downloading required data. Furthermore, data are duplicated for every graph window that is displayed.
039450000 Rev B
37
DAS Configuration and Data Access
4.12.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Downloading DAS Data Automatically
sensor-e.com can be configured to download DAS data automatically at periodic intervals. Different
intervals and record selection criteria can be chosen for each channel. Each channel must be configured
separately for automatic download using the advanced tab of the channel property dialog (see Figure
4-3).
4.12.1.
Configuring Channels for Automatic Download
sensor-e.com allows to specify the download period, the record selection criteria, the data file name,
and whether to append to or replace the data file, on a channel-by-channel basis. When combining
"Since last download.” with the “Append downloaded data to file” option, the instrument’s DAS storage
capacity is essentially only limited by the host computer's disk space. Auto-download configuration has
to be done only once, sensor-e.com stores the automatic settings in its network configuration file.
4.12.2.
Selecting Channels for Automatic Download
After configuring the channels on how to automatically download, they also need to be checked for
download. This is done by checking the checkbox next to the channel’s name in the DAS configuration
list or right-clicking on a channel and clicking Select Channel in the context menu. Or the option “Select
this channel for automatic download” in the advanced tab can be used.
4.12.3.
Activating Automatic Download Mode
Finally, press
to activate automatic mode. While this button is pressed, all of the other
buttons in the DAS configuration dialog are disabled and the user cannot access any front panel, the
main window or any other sensor-e.com settings. This is to prevent conflicts between automatic and
manual downloads. To regain access to the windows, simply de-press
operation, then press the button again to resume automatic mode.
4.12.4.
, finish the desired
File Names for Automatic Download
The file name that sensor-e.com generates when clicking
in the Advanced tab has a
different default format from the file name that sensor-e.com generates when saving data manually:
“<Instrument Name>-< Instrument Serial Number>-<Channel Name>-Auto.txt”
Unlike the file name format for manual saves, the date and record set number are not included. This is
because sensor-e.com will repeatedly add data to this file or replace it entirely, hence those additional
fields are meaningless in automatic mode.
38
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
5.
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
TML-700 CALIBRATOR SEQUENCES
sensor-e.com includes support for modifying the sequence configuration in TML-700 calibrators.
sensor-e.com can only modify the sequence configuration in TML-700 calibrators with firmware revision
D.3 or higher. However, calibrators with firmware prior to D.3 can still be edited through the front panel.
The user interface for sequence configuration is very similar to that for configuring the DAS. If sensore.com detects that the instrument is an TML-700 calibrator, the front-panel DAS configuration button,
, is changed to
. The TML-700 does not
contain a DAS and stores sequences in a different memory space than the DAS is usually saved. The
current sequence configuration can be downloaded, saved, modified, and sent it back to the instrument.
Sending a sequence configuration to the instrument will completely replace its existing configuration. A
sequence configuration can also be changed by using the instrument’s own menus through the Front
Panel Window (see Figure 1-1).
5.1.
Sequence Configuration Dialog
Clicking
in the Front Panel Window or clicking Configure Sequences…
in the System Menu (top left corner of each window) of the Front Panel Window will produce the
following dialog box.
Figure 5-1: Sequence Configuration Dialog
Initially, this window is empty. Download the instrument’s sequence configuration using the
button. It is also possible to open this dialog off-line when editing the instrument’s properties (see Figure
5-1) by clicking on
. When editing the sequence configuration off-line, the
buttons related to downloading and uploading are disabled. The following table summarizes the
functions of the buttons in the Sequence Configuration Dialog.
039450000 Rev B
39
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
Table 5-1:
Property
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Sequence Configuration Dialog Buttons
Description
Configuration Buttons
Downloads the sequence configuration from the instrument into sensor-e.com.
Sends the sequence configuration in sensor-e.com to the instrument. This will
completely replace the instrument’s current sequence configuration.
Loads a sequence configuration from a text file stored on the computer. This
configuration many be edited and saved on the computer again, or it may be sent to
an instrument. This configuration file may have been downloaded from the
instrument using the “C PRINT SCRIPT” RS-232 command or it may have been
created using
in sensor-e.com.
Saves the sequence configuration to a text file on the computer. The format of this
configuration file is suitable for uploading to the instrument via its RS-232 interface.
Creates a new, empty sequence configuration.
Creates a new sequence.
Creates a new step in the selected sequence.
Creates a duplicate of the selected sequence or step. When creating a duplicate,
sensor-e.com will prompt for a new, unique sequence name.
Edits the properties of the selected sequence or step.
Deletes the selected sequence or step.
Selection Buttons
Moves the selected sequence or step up one position relative to the other sequences
or steps.
Moves the selected sequence or step down one position relative to the other
sequences or steps.
Expands all the sequences in the list, showing all the steps.
Collapses all the sequences in the list, hiding all the steps.
5.2.
Downloading a Sequence Configuration
Download the remote instrument’s sequence configuration by clicking
. sensor-e.com stores
the sequence configuration in the network configuration file (.CFG). If the configuration from this
instrument was already downloaded, the sequence configuration will appear in the dialog.
In Figure 1-1 some sequences have been expanded to show the steps. The dialog box displays a
summary of each sequence, including the sequence name, the number of steps in the sequence, and
the number of times the sequence will run when executed. Below each sequence is a list of steps in the
sequence. Each step summary shows the step type and the properties that are specific to that step type.
For instance, a generate step shows the concentration and gas that will be generated; a delay step
shows the duration of the delay; and a standby step shows no additional properties.
5.3.
Saving a Sequence Configuration
There are two ways to save a sequence configuration. sensor-e.com automatically stores the sequence
configuration in its network configuration file when saving it. The second way is to save the sequence
40
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
configuration as a text file using
format is:
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
. sensor-e.com will prompt for a file name, the default
“<Instrument Name>-<Instrument Serial Number> Sequence Configuration.txt”
Once saved as a text file, it can be loaded again using
5.4.
button.
Modifying a Sequence Configuration
sensor-e.com can only modify the sequence configuration in TML-700 calibrators with firmware revision
D.3 or higher. This section assumes familiarity with configuring the sequences in an instrument. sensore.com facilitates configuring the instrument’s sequences in the following ways:
sensor-e.com takes advantage of the larger area of the computer screen to display more of the sequence
configuration than the instrument can with its vacuum fluorescent display.
sensor-e.com validates the user’s inputs and verifies that the configuration is successfully sent to the
instrument. Scripts with unsupported entries are rejected by the instrument!
sensor-e.com allows to load sequence configurations stored on the computer and to send them to the
instrument, making it quick and easy to load the same configuration into multiple instruments.
sensor-e.com can store many sequence configurations on the computer, allowing the download of different
configurations for different purposes.
The basic procedure for modifying the instrument’s sequence configuration is to download the current
configuration from the instrument, modify it, and then send it back to the instrument and saving it to disk
for backup purposes. These steps are discussed in more detail below.
To download the current configuration, click
To start a new, empty configuration by clicking
clicking
5.4.1.
.
or load a previously saved sequence by
.
Adding or Modifying a Sequence
Expand a sequence to see its steps by clicking on the “+” box next to the sequence name. To add a new
or right-click on any existing sequence, which will bring up the
sequence, either click on
context menu shown below, and select New Sequence. If sensor-e.com will not create a new sequence,
it’s because the maximum number of sequences have already been created. The number of sequences
or steps is limited only by available memory. However, sensor-e.com limits the number of sequences
and steps to 100 sequences and 100 steps per sequence. These limits are larger than the TML-700 can
actually accommodate.
039450000 Rev B
41
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 5-2: Sequence Context Menu – Adding or Modifying a Sequence
, which will bring
To edit an existing sequence, click on Edit Sequence in the context menu
up the dialog box in Figure 5-3. Table 5-2 describes the sequence properties shown in the following
figure.
Figure 5-3: Sequence Properties Dialog
The following table describes the properties shown above.
Table 5-2:
Sequence Properties
Property
Description
Name
Name of this sequence. The name cannot contain any spaces.
Run mode
Run one time: runs the sequence one time when it’s executed. This is the usual
case.
Run several times: runs the sequence the number of times specified (0-100).
Note that a value of 0 is the same as Run until halted, and a value of 1 is the
same as Run one time.
Run until halted: runs the sequence indefinitely until interrupted by pressing
STBY on the front panel.
Enable Automatic
Timer
If checked, the sequence will be executed automatically at timed intervals and the
Start Date, Start Time, and Repeat Period properties will be enabled.
Start Date
Date when the sequence should first execute. It is typically a date in the past, but
if it is a date in the future, the instrument won’t execute the sequence until that
date.
Start Time
Time on the starting date when the sequence should first execute.
Repeat Period
Number of days, hours, and minutes, measured from the starting date and time,
between each execution of the sequence. At least one of the three fields of this
property must be non-zero.
Contact Closure
Inputs
If Enable checked, the sequence will execute when the contact closure input
pattern specified by checkboxes 1–12 is detected. If Enable is unchecked, the
sequence will ignore the contact closure inputs.
42
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
Property
Description
Contact Closure
Outputs
If Enable checked, the contact closure outputs will be set to the pattern indicated
by checkboxes 1–12 when the sequence is executed. If Enable is unchecked, the
contact closure outputs will not be altered when the sequence executes. Note that
there is a contact closure output step that can alter the contact closure outputs at
any point in the sequence.
5.4.2.
Sequence Names
When editing a sequence’s properties and clicking
, sensor-e.com checks that the sequence
name is unique and contains valid characters. sensor-e.com does not perform this check when
downloading a configuration from an instrument or when loading a configuration from a file because it
assumes that the names are already valid in these cases. If the name is invalid because it isn’t unique
or because it contains invalid characters, sensor-e.com will display the error shown in the following
figure and remain in the sequence property dialog.
Figure 5-4: Invalid Sequence Name Dialog
When editing the sequence names using the instrument’s own menus, the instrument will only allow
upper case characters, numbers, and the ‘_’ character. However, sensor-e.com will permit longer names
and lower case characters. When viewing the sequence names using the instrument’s menus, however,
the names may be truncated to fit on the display. This limitation is due to the size of the instrument’s
display. The names are not case-sensitive.
5.4.3.
Duplicating a Sequence
Duplicate a sequence by clicking
or right-click on the sequence and select Duplicate
Sequence from the context menu. sensor-e.com will prompt for a new, unique sequence name.
5.4.4.
Moving a Sequence
To move a sequence relative to the other sequences, select the sequence and reposition it using the
and
5.4.5.
buttons.
Deleting a Sequence
To delete a sequence, simply select the sequence and click on
. Alternatively, right-clicking
on a sequence and selecting Delete Sequence from the context menu will do the same. In either case,
sensor-e.com will confirm the deletion with a dialog box like that is shown in the following figure. When a
sequence is deleted, all the steps in it are automatically deleted as well. Such prompts can be disabled
in the Settings-Options menu.
Figure 5-5: Delete Sequence Confirmation Dialog
039450000 Rev B
43
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
5.4.6.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Adding Steps to a Sequence
Sequences consist of a list of steps that are executed. There are several different types of steps,
summarized in the table below. Refer to the TML-700 manual for a detailed description of these step
types.
Table 5-3:
Sequence Step Types
Step Type
Description
GENERATE
Generates a concentration of specified gas and units.
GPT
Generates a GPT consisting of NO and O3.
GPT PRESET
Generates a GPT-preset consisting of NO and O3.
MANUAL
Generates gas under manual control using the specified gas, flows, and O3
generator setting.
PURGE
Purges the system with high flowrate and zero air.
STANDBY
Stops all actions and puts calibrator in standby mode.
DELAY
Generates a delay of the specified action (in minutes)
EXECUTE
SEQUENCE
Executes a sequence by name (subroutine call).
SELECT OUTPUT
Specifies which output valve to open when generating gas. This functionality is
available only for firmware E.4 and higher.
SET CC OUTPUT
Sets the contact closure outputs to the specified pattern. This functionality is
available only for firmware E.4 and higher.
To add a step to a sequence, select a sequence and click
. The following dialog box opens.
Figure 5-6: Select Step Type Dialog
. The context menu will
Select one of the available step types from the list and click on
appear (see Figure 5-7). Steps that are not supported by a particular firmware revision will not be
available from this drop-down menu.
A step can also be added by right-clicking on a sequence and selecting one of the step types from the
sequence context menu. Alternatively, right-clicking on a step within the sequence will bring up the
slightly different sequence step context menu shown below. Click on one of the step types to add a step.
If sensor-e.com will not create a new step, it is because the maximum number of steps has already
been created for the sequence (100).
44
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
Figure 5-7: Sequence Step Context Menu
5.4.7.
Generate Step
Editing a Generate step will bring up the following dialog box. The properties are described in Table 5-4.
Figure 5-8: Generate Step Properties Dialog
The following table describes the properties shown above.
Table 5-4:
Generate Step Properties
Property
Description
Concentration
The numeric concentration to generate.
Units
The concentration unit to use. The TML-700 will perform any necessary unit
conversions.
Gas
The gas type to generate. sensor-e.com permits to specify several different
gases, although the TML-700 may not be able to generate them all. In this case, it
will simply generate zero air.
039450000 Rev B
45
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
5.4.8.
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
GPT and GPT Preset Steps
A GPT step will display the following property dialog.
Figure 5-9: GPT Step Properties Dialog
A GPT Preset step will display the following property dialog.
Figure 5-10: GPT Preset Step Properties Dialog
These two steps are almost identical. The properties are described in the following table.
46
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
Table 5-5:
GPT and GPT Preset Step Properties
Property
Description
O3 Conc.
The numeric concentration of O3 gas to generate.
O3 Units
The O3 concentration unit to use. The TML-700 will perform any necessary unit
conversions.
NO Conc.
The numeric concentration of NO gas to generate.
NO Units
The NO concentration units to use.
5.4.9.
Manual Steps
A Manual step will display the following property dialog. The properties are described in Table 5-6.
Figure 5-11: Manual Step Properties Dialog
Table 5-6:
Manual Step Properties
Property
Description
Cal. Flow
Flow rate of calibration gas (LPM - liters per minute).
Cal. Gas
The gas type to generate. Although sensor-e.com permits to specify several
different gases, the TML-700 may not be able to generate them all. If the TML-700
cannot generate a specified gas, it will simply generate zero air.
Dil. Flow
Flow rate of the diluent gas (LPM - liters per minute).
O3 Generator
Mode
For manual GPT. If Constant Drive or Reference Feedback are selected, the units
for O3 are mV. If Bench Feedback is selected, the units for O3 are PPB.
O3 Setpoint
The mV or PPB setting for O3.
5.4.10.
Duration Steps
Property dialog box & properties table.
Figure 5-12: Duration Step Properties Dialog
039450000 Rev B
47
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
The following table describes the property shown above.
Table 5-7:
Duration Step Properties
Property
Description
Duration
The duration of the step in minutes.
5.4.11.
Execute Sequence Steps
Property dialog box and properties table.
Figure 5-13: Execute Sequence Step Properties Dialog
The following table describes the property shown above.
Table 5-8:
Execute Sequence Step Properties
Property
Description
Sequence
The name of the sequence to edit. For convenience, all the names of existing
sequences will appear in the dropdown list. However any name can be entered into
the Sequence field. If the specified sequence does not exist when the TML-700 tries
to execute this step, the TML-700 will return to standby mode.
5.4.12.
Select Output Steps
Property dialog & properties table.
Figure 5-14: Select Output Step Properties Dialog
The following table describes the property shown above.
Table 5-9:
Select Output Step Properties
Property
Description
Output Port
Opens output valve A or B when generating gas. Note that this is an optional
feature in the TML-700. This step will be ignored if the TML-700 doesn’t have this
option.
5.4.13.
Select Output Steps
There are two ways to control the contact closure outputs while executing a sequence. The contact
closure outputs can be specified as one of the sequence properties, in which case the outputs will
remain the same during the execution of the sequence. Or one or more set CC output steps can be
inserted in a sequence, which allows to change the contact closure outputs while the sequence is
executing, for example, to control other equipment. This option is only available for firmware revision E.4
or higher.
48
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
Figure 5-15: Set CC Output Step Properties Dialog
The following table describes the property shown above.
Table 5-10: Set CC Output Step Properties
Property
Description
Output Pattern
The contact closure outputs will be set to the pattern indicated by checkboxes 1–12
when the step is executed.
5.4.14.
Duplicating a Step
To duplicate an existing step, select the step to duplicate and click
or right-click on the step
and select Duplicate Step from the context menu. sensor-e.com will duplicate the step and add it to the
end of the sequence, but it can be repositioned using
5.4.15.
and
buttons.
Moving a Step
To move a step relative to the other steps in the sequence, select the step and reposition it using the
and
5.4.16.
buttons.
Deleting a Step
To delete a step from a sequence, select the step and click
. Right-clicking on a step and
selecting Delete Step from the context menu will do the same. In either case, sensor-e.com will confirm
the deletion with a dialog box like the following figure. Such confirmation prompts can be disabled in the
Settings-Options menu.
Figure 5-16: Delete Step Confirmation Dialog
5.5.
Sending the Sequence Configuration to the Instrument
To send the sequence configuration to the instrument, click
. Sending the sequence
configuration to the instrument will completely replace the instrument’s current sequence
configuration. Therefore, sensor-e.com will confirm the operation with the following dialog box before
proceeding.
039450000 Rev B
49
TML-700 Calibrator Sequences
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Figure 5-17: Sequence Send Configuration Confirmation Dialog
If the send operation is successful, sensor-e.com will display the following dialog box:
Figure 5-18: Successful Sequence Send Dialog
If the send operation is unsuccessful, sensor-e.com will display the following dialog box. Some possible
causes of this error are that a sequence name contains spaces or that the instruments receive buffer
overflowed while receiving the sequence configuration or that an incompatible sequence was loaded
from disk and sent to the instrument. Try enabling one or more handshaking options, particularly the
Transmit Delay option in the instrument properties dialog or trouble-shoot the configuration for
compatibility.
Figure 5-19: Unsuccessful Sequence Send Dialog
50
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
6.
Advanced Features
ADVANCED FEATURES
6.1.
Instrument Information Dialog
Whenever sensor-e.com connects to an instrument it interrogates the instrument to determine the type
of instrument and its capabilities. Since sensor-e.com supports all standard TML instruments (except
industrial ozone), there are many options to be supported on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
If sensor-e.com doesn’t seem to support a particular capability that the instrument has, sensor-e.com’s
instrument information dialog should show the capabilities sensor-e.com thinks the instrument has. This
is mainly a diagnostic tool, but offers information similar to that found under the instrument’s own
SETUP-CFG menu.
To view the instrument information dialog, connect to an instrument and click on the system menu in the
upper left-hand corner of the Front Panel Window. Then click on the Instrument information… menu
item. This should bring up a dialog like the following. The fields shown in the dialog are described in
Table 6-1.
Figure 6-1: Instrument Information Dialog
Table 6-1:
Instrument Information Dialog
Field
Description
Instrument Type
Monitor or Calibrator.
Serial Number
Instrument’s serial number. If the instrument doesn’t have a serial number, it
displays “000000.”
Firmware Revision
Revision number of the instrument firmware. If sensor-e.com cannot determine
the firmware revision number, it displays “Unknown.”
Library Revision
Revision number of the standard library used by the instrument firmware. If
sensor-e.com cannot determine the library revision number, it displays
“Unknown.”
039450000 Rev B
51
Advanced Features
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Field
Description
Has AMX
Yes = has AMX operating system.
No = has older operating system.
Has DAS
Yes = Has DAS.
No = Does not have DAS.
Has New DAS
Yes = Has DAS from standard library revision 3.0 that is flash-friendly and much
faster.
No = Earlier DAS.
Has DAS Hex
Command
Yes = DAS supports HEX option to download records in compressed hex
format. This is faster and more reliable than text format.
No = DAS supports downloading records only in text format.
Has DAS From/To
Commands
Yes = DAS supports FROM/TO options to download records by date/time.
No = DAS doesn’t have these options. Download by date/time range is still
supported, but has to be done by sensor-e.com on the host computer rather
than in the instrument.
Has DAS Records
Command
Yes = DAS supports RECORDS option for requesting most recent records.
No = DAS lacks this option.
Has DAS Script
Command
Yes = DAS supports SCRIPT option for downloading and uploading DAS
configuration. Necessary for sensor-e.com to support DAS configuration.
No = sensor-e.com lacks this option. sensor-e.com can still download the
configuration and data even if the instrument lacks this option.
Has DAS
Event/Parameter
Commands
Yes = DAS has EVENT and PARAMETER commands for requesting lists of
events and parameters in instrument. Necessary for sensor-e.com to support
DAS configuration.
No = sensor-e.com lacks these commands. sensor-e.com can still download
the configuration and data even if the instrument lacks these commands.
Has Calibrator
Script Command
Yes = Calibrator supports SCRIPT option for downloading and uploading
sequence configuration. Necessary for sensor-e.com to support sequence
configuration.
No = sensor-e.com lacks these commands. sensor-e.com cannot download or
modify the sequence configuration if the instrument lacks this option.
Has Calibrator
Duration Command
Yes = Calibrator uses the new DURATION step name.
Has Calibrator
Level Command
Yes = Calibrator supports extensions that include the LEVEL command.
Has Keyboard
Slash Command
Yes = Instrument uses newer style commands for “pressing” keys and getting
the display contents.
No = Calibrator uses the old DELAY step name.
No = Calibrator doesn’t support these extensions.
No = Instrument uses very old style commands.
Has New DAS
Yes = Has DAS from standard library revision 3.0 that is flash-friendly and much
faster.
No = Earlier DAS.
52
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Advanced Features
Field
Description
Has XON/XOFF
Flow Control
Yes = Instrument has bi-directional XON/XOFF flow control. This is useful when
using sensor-e.com to upload large DAS or sequence configurations to the
instrument. This does not mean that XON/XOFF flow control is enabled in this
instrument, only that it is available.
No = Instrument either lacks XON/XOFF flow control entirely or supports it only
when sending data, and not when receiving.
6.2.
Communication Logging
sensor-e.com has a communication logging feature that is capable of recording all commands sent to
the instruments, all responses from the instruments, errors that occur, and status changes. The logging
feature can be configured in the Logging tab in the Settings-Options menu.
This logging feature is intended to be used as a diagnostic tool by advanced users. For instance, when
having problems connecting to an instrument, message logging shows what was transmitted to and
received from the instrument. This logging feature is a simple alternative to using an external RS-232
monitor. The following figure shows a sample log file.
Figure 6-2: Sample Log File
Each log entry resides on a single line in the log file, and consists of three fields: a time stamp, a
classification code (see the following table), and a message. The fields are separated by commas,
making it easy to import the log file into another program. The time stamp field shows the date and time,
to the nearest second. The time stamp has the same format as that in DAS data files saved by sensore.com. The classification code field indicates the type of log entry. It can be one of the values in the
following table.
Table 6-2:
Code
Log Entry Classification Codes
Description
Misc
Miscellaneous log entry (currently there are no entries of this type).
Status
Status change, such as opening or closing the log file.
Command
A command sent to an instrument.
Response
A response from an instrument.
Error
Any error, including communication errors or internal errors.
The message field contains the text of the log entry. It may be an error or status message generated
internally by sensor-e.com, or a command sent to an instrument, or a response from an instrument.
Non-printable characters are represented as hexadecimal characters of the form “\xhh”, where the “hh”
part is the hexadecimal character code.
039450000 Rev B
53
Advanced Features
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Beware that the log files can get very large. For example, if automatic display updating at 5-second
intervals is enabled, sensor-e.com stores about 280 bytes per display update, per instrument in the log
file. That works out to about 67.2 kbytes per hour, or about 1.6 MB per day, per instrument. Also, the log
file is locked for access while sensor-e.com is running.
Timeout errors will always appear in the log file. These are not necessarily errors, though they might be.
In some cases, the sensor-e.com can detect the end of a transmission of data from an instrument only
by waiting for a timeout to occur. Rather than have sensor-e.com determine whether a timeout is normal
or an error, it is easier to record all timeouts as errors in the log file.
54
039450000 Rev B
sensor-e.com Instruction Manual
Advanced Features
APPENDIX A. FIRMWARE COMPATIBILITY
A.1.
Remote (RS-232) Configuration of DAS
Whereas the basic functionality (remote control of the front panel functions) of sensor-e.com works with
all of our standard analyzers, new features that are introduced from time to time may require updates of
the analyzer's firmware. The DAS feature built into AMX instruments was created around 1996. But the
ability to configure the DAS through the RS-232 interface wasn't added to the standard libraries until
revision 2.1 in 1999.
sensor-e.com only supports configuring the DAS in the DAS Configuration Dialog if the instrument has
library revision 2.1 or higher. This capability corresponds to the "Has Calibrator Script Command" field in
the Instrument Information Dialog.
sensor-e.com can download the DAS configuration and data in all instruments containing the DAS
because this was an original requirement of the DAS. That is why with some instruments; sensor-e.com
shows the DAS Configuration Dialog but disables some buttons used for uploading DAS configuration
and others.
A.2.
Number of Samples in Concentration Average
Another new feature of sensor-e.com is to store the number of samples in averaged DAS concentration
data.
Newer firmware also allows sensor-e.com to use the internal DAS clock when extracting a range of data
(instead of "all" data). This feature speeds up download because it transfers only those data that were
requested. Previous versions of sensor-e.com and older firmware revisions downloaded all data and
then extracted the range of interest locally (i.e. in computer memory).
039450000 Rev B
A-1